(CNN) - Vice President Joe Biden jabbed Republicans Friday over factions within the GOP, while also rallying members of his caucus to "aggressively push" the Democratic agenda ahead of this year's midterm elections.

"There isn't a Republican Party. I wish there were. I wish there was a Republican Party. I wish there was one person you could sit across the table from, make a deal, make a compromise, and know when you got up from that table it was done," Biden said Friday morning at the House Democrats' issues conference on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Democrats need to pick up 17 seats to regain the majority in the House. Most political handicappers say that with such a narrow list of competitive congressional districts this year, the odds are long that they can reach that goal.

Democrats appeared stronger in the poll last autumn during the government shutdown, which Americans largely blamed on congressional Republicans. But the botched rollout of a key component of President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act has essentially evened the score with the GOP.

Biden acknowledged the political hurdle Obamacare could cause Democrats this year, but insisted a majority of Americans want to see the health care law stay in place.

The vice president said the American people "are already where we want them to be" on the big issues, rattling off poll numbers favoring Democrats on marriage equality, women's issues and the economy.

"Between now and November is three political lifetimes. A lot's going to happen. A lot can change," he said. "Keep your eye on the ball. The American people are where we are."

Pivoting to the deal reached on Capitol Hill earlier this week raising debt ceiling, Biden warned that GOP pick-ups in House and Senate would mean continued fights over fiscal matters.

Biden's remarks focused largely on America's pivotal spot in the world, attributing the United States' robust international standing to a strong middle class. He cautioned, however, of a closing opportunity gap for citizens hoping to join the middle class.

"They talk about the fact that we shouldn't be talking about income inequality,” the vice president said. “I think it would be a sin if we didn't' talk about income inequality. … The single greatest obligation we have as a party is to widen that aperture so more people can get in and stay in."

soundoff(228 Responses)

rude

I will not vote Repub as long as the GOP is infected with the Tea Party. I'd rather vote Hillary than any Tea affiliated GOPer.
The GOP needs to muzzle some of their more idiotic members. The stupidity that comes out their mouths is sinking their chances of getting the mainstream vote.

February 15, 2014 08:59 am at 8:59 am |

Audrey

The American people are where you want us to be? Really, Mr. Biden? Do me a favor. STOP TALKING!!! Every word you say just shows the American people how much of an idiot you really are!